Josh Kelly hopes the “perfect” preparation will help him achieve the perfect result in London.
On a night when the big fellas dominate the top of the bill at the O2, Kelly is looking to put on a bit of a show of his own at 147lbs against Przemyslaw Runowski.
The 25-year-old is defending the WBA International welterweight title for the second occasion, meeting the unbeaten Polish fighter on the capital show headed by Dave Allen v Lucas Browne and Derek Chisora v Senad Gashi.
While Kelly-Runowski might not have the same ring to it than the previous scheduled WBA title defence with David Avanesyan it still looks an intriguing confrontation.
The man from Damnica, who is also 25, has won all 17 of his bouts (three early) and has arrived in the capital with absolutely nothing to lose.
Kelly told punch-lines this week he has completed his “best ever camp” – helped by the sparring partner he employed to get him ready for a showdown with a hard-as-metal Pole.
The Sunderland boxer has prepared with session after session with Russian Magomed Kurbanov, the World Boxing Organisation’s International light-middleweight title holder.
“Runowski seems very decent,” said ‘Pretty Boy’. “He has a good amateur record and he’s won ever fight as a pro.
“He looks strong, basic, very tidy and someone who is always there.
“He is the sort of opponent that if you are not at it then you could be in trouble.
“The guy I’ve been sparring with has been perfect.
“He’s a super-welterweight and middleweight so I’ve had to work to keep him off me, I’ve had some great spars.
“I’ve had to use my speed, skill and strength in our spars and had to be switched on all the time.
“I’ve felt good with my fitness and punch-power, though it’s probably my strength than my punch-power that has pleased me the most.”
Read here to check out Kelly’s reaction to the David Avanesyan fight insults.
Given Runowski has never boxed outside Poland, it is tricky to fully judge him, though he has a World Boxing Council Youth Intercontinental light-welterweight title under his belt.
Similar to Lewis Ritson’s WBA Inter-Continental clash with tough Argentinian German Benitez last month, Kelly must beware overseas visitors.
Kelly says he is fit and ready, thanks to his three-month camp with top trainer, Adam Booth.
“I’ve been in the gym since January,” said the Matchroom star who today weighed in at 10st 6lbs 9oz, the same mark as his opponent.
“I trained over Christmas myself and the camp at Adam’s has gone brilliant and he thinks it’s the best shape I’ve been in.”
We’ll get a better idea on Saturday just how good a shape he is in and it could turn out to be one of the fights of the night.
As well as Allen v Browne and Chisora v Gash, there is a British scrap between Joe Cordina and Andy Townend for the British lightweight title vacated by Ritson, plus the return of Connor Benn.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
